Plug flow reactor process for anaerobic cellulosic ethanol

摘要

The present invention is generally related to systems and methods to permit the growth of anaerobic, ethanol-producing bacteria using pretreated biomass such as cellulose in a manner to facilitate the efficient conversion of cellulose to ethanol.

主权项

1. A bioreactor for anaerobic cellulosic ethanol production, comprising:
(a) a stir tank having a first aperture; (b) a top chamber attached to and positioned within the interior of the stir tank, wherein the top chamber is accessible from the exterior of the stir tank and wherein the top chamber comprises a semi-permeable membrane comprised of a polymeric material of a fixed pore size, and wherein the top chamber retains cellulose solids and permits the passage of liquids, bacterial cells and nutrients into and out of the top chamber; (c) a mixing tank having a second aperture; (d) a settling tank connected to the stir tank and to the mixing tank; and (e) a plug flow reactor and a feedstock tank connected to the mixing tank.